A pool of clear bubbling water which sparkles like silver on sunny days provides the basis for the name of Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area. Even on extremely cold days, this pool does not freeze, and visitors marvel at the bordering beds of watercress. Majestic oaks and prairie grasslands provide a panorama of natural beauty to park visitors. The Fox River runs through this picturesque area which is also home to several small manmade lakes. A natural prairie restoration project gives visitors a feeling of the original landscape with native wildflowers, songbirds, waterfowl and upland game. Picnicking, fishing and hiking are popular pastimes in summer, with ice fishing, sledding, ice skating and cross-country ski trails available for the winter sports lover. For relaxing, exercising or just enjoying nature, Silver Springs is the perfect get away location.

32 miles of biking, hiking and cross-country skiing featuring some of the most scenic trails of the Fox River. Points of interest include Carpenters Dam, Fox River Shores, Tyler Creek, Voyageur Landing, Shoemaker Nature Center and Fabyan Forest Preserve.

Located in west central Naperville and adjacent to the DuPage County Forest Preserve's Dragon Lake, Springbrook Golf Course commands some the finest views of Naperville's open space and trails. Built in 1974, the facility features a challenging 18-hole championship golf course, a 28-stall natural turf driving range, two practice putting green with bunkers. Its beautiful, mature and lush foliage and trees complement the manicured greens, tees and fairways. Combined with its exceptional course design, golfers of all skill levels return time and again to play.

The Natural Resource Center is located at Russell Preserve, and is open to the public on weekends. The Center offers a great stop for exploration and live animal viewing for all members of the family. The Center can be reserved by school groups and other organizations for outdoor educational field trips. While there, take a walk through Russell Preserve, beneath mature oaks and hickories, surrounded by woodland wildflowers. In the winter, Russell Preserve is a great place for tobogganning.

Located in Palatine, IL, Deer Grove Forest Preserve has trails that offer a moderate level of difficulty. At almost 10 miles in length, the hiking trials make Deer Grove worth a visit. Split into two very individual sites connected by paved and unpaved trials, the east preserve features open wetlands surrounded by old fields and an in-progress savanna and prairie restoration. The west side is wilder, the forest denser and crisscrossed with footpaths along the rolling terrain. Quite woodlands, white-tailed deer and a completely different experience await the hiker on the west side. Both paths are equally enchanting.

Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville, Illinois, has everything an outdoors fanatic could want. Hikers, bicyclers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers can enjoy more than 6 miles of turf and limestone trails, including a convenient route to the Illinois Prairie Path. Trails around the McKee Marsh area feature two observation decks, a bird blind, and signs that describe the history and ecological significance of the marsh.

This 8-mile singletrack in Carpentersville, IL. is perfect for beginners without giving up on the excitement. The terrain is varied with steep descents, plenty of jumps, twisty trails through the woods and long stretches through meadows.

The Marge Cline Whitewater course is located in Yorkville at Bicentennial Riverfront Park on the Fox River, just 60 miles southwest of Chicago. The paddling community is all a dither about this course. Whether you’re a novice or an avid canoeist or kayaker, you’re sure to have a great experience.

The Busse Woods Trail system is located within Ned Brown Forest Preserve, a 3,700-acre property in the western suburbs of Chicago. There are 11.2 miles of paved trails for cyclists, equestrians and pedestrians. The main loop is nearly 8 miles, circling some lakes and meadows, while a couple of much shorter side loops will take you to the north and south end of the forest preserve. The Busse Woods Trail connects with the Schaumburg Bikeway on the west, and on the north, Busse Woods links to the Rolling Meadows Bikeway system. Some key features of the forest preserve include fishing, boat rentals and a small herd of captive resident elk. The trails are open from sunrise to sunset.

A local favorite since 1928, White Pines is conveniently located minutes from O'Hare, and its two year-round 18-hole courses are situated on 240 beautiful acres. Banquet facilities are perfect for golf outings, weddings, business or social events, large and small.

Geneva Kayak Center is a paddlesport school and adventure travel company that’s proud to be recognized as a ACA Pro School and offer both whitewater and sea kayak instruction. Their goal is to promote the sport of kayaking through safety and education. In addition to local offerings, they offer spectacular Adventure Paddling Trips for beginner to advanced paddlers, to amazing locations. Whether you want to enjoy an afternoon on the river or are preparing for a two-week expedition, Geneva Kayak Center believes the sport of kayaking should be fun, and enjoyed by all.

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Over 600 programs are offered by the Hinsdale Parks & Rec Dept. annually. The year round activities are designed to meet the leisure interests of residents and visitors. Community special events and outdoor summer concerts are also organized annually.

Brunswick Zone XL is a full- feature, family- friendly entertainment destination with something for everyone. Our center in Romeoville sets the standard for family entertainment with more than 60,000 sq. ft. of fun for all ages. Bowling, billiards, video games and more!

Just 30 minutes from downtown Chicago, Ruffled Feathers' aesthetic beauty is matched only by the genius layout. We are the only Pete and P.B. Dye designed golf course in Illinois and a must-play for any devoted golfer. Our championship caliber, well-conditioned golf course awaits your arrival with one of the finest sets of par 3's in the Midwest. Ruffled Feathers has 18 wonderful holes with tee sets for all skill levels and is your premier place to golf.

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - This 9-hole, par-35 course stretches over 3,000 yards. The well-maintained fairways and greens, along with sand and water hazards, offer a unique and challenging golf experience. The newly remodeled clubhouse is a picturesque location for a special event.

DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - FitnessNOW - State of the art cardiovascular equipment; Cybex cardio equipment with built in TVs; three lane indoor track; strength training; personal trainers; affordable fees; fun, knowledgeable and motivated staff; and convenient location. Enjoy nine community parks and a variety of sports and activities.

Just 20 miles from downtown Chicago, located in Oak Brook, IL is the Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve. It’s an easy hike consisting of a 3.2-mile loop. The trail is good for all skill levels and offers a number of activity options. Nearly all of the hike follows Salt Creek as it winds around the bluff and past a few islands on its way to the historic watermill at the south tip of the park.

The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition has produced many Interpretive Murals along the Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway and its corridor in northern Illinois. The Genoa mural depicts the history, heritage, and events of the highway and its impact on Genoa and the other communities along the Illinois route.

The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition has produced many Interpretive Murals along the Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway and its corridor in northern Illinois. The Cortland mural depicts the history, heritage, and events of the highway and its impact on Cortland and the other communities along the Illinois route.

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Located on 25 acres, with woods, lakes and rolling hills, the course offers 9 holes of challenging golf for beginners and advanced golfers. Reduced rates available for golfers 55 and over. Clubhouse seats 60+ and has a variety of foods.

Bicentennial Riverfront Park is a five-acre community park on the south bank of the Fox River. Built by volunteers on Hydraulic Street, Bicentennial Riverfront Park makes optimum use of the river, with abundant fishing, plus canoe and kayak access to the white water chute. There is also a beautiful view of the Glenn Palmer Dam as you follow the trail along the river and the picnic area, playground and river-side pavilion are popular community gathering spots in the summertime.

The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition has produced many Interpretive Murals along the Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway and its corridor in northern Illinois. The DeKalb mural depicts the history, heritage, and events of the highway and its impact on DeKalb and the other communities along the Illinois route.

Open May through October, the farm offers home-grown produce and fruits, flowers and bedding plants, and a petting zoo. Visit Norton Hollow October 1-31 for free hayrides, a straw maze and a corn tunnel.

Rocktown has an appreciation of the outdoors to inspire you to take on new challenges, leading to a healthier lifestyle, and ultimately helping you define your idea of outdoor recreation. They have experienced instructors that love to share their passion for the outdoors, and trip guides that know our waterways and trails like the back of their hand. They are located near an abundance of recreational assets waiting to be discovered by you.

Playing this unique, well-conditioned and spectacularly-designed 18-hole course will surely make you want to come back. Full service premier meeting and banquet facility provides outstanding culinary offerings and personal service.

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Professionally designed 18-hole golf course. Putt around a waterfall, through a cave, over a river and under rocks. Coyote Crossing is a great place for birthdays, rentals, picnics, company and other group outings.

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - A 61-mile hiking, biking and nature trail follows the bed of a long-gone railroad. It's one of the nation's first linear recreation trails and a model for others in the United States.

Come and play right in your backyard! Visit Maple Meadows for outings, leagues, tournaments, individual play, and the great food in our restaurant. 27 holes, no reservations required and a beautiful public course!

Hamilton Lakes is home to Chicagoland's largest fireworks display synced to music as well as an annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games. The lakes also offers several fields good for soccer tournaments and other outdoor activities.

DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - Itasca Country Club is rich in tradition and offers a cost-effective solution for golf outings, corporate entertaining and special events in a picturesque setting. Enjoy beautiful surroundings, spectacular views, and the service of a fine country club-for your wedding reception or other banquet event. Amidst the elegant grounds and facilities, our skilled professional staff will put you at ease and ensure your special occasion is unforgettable.

DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - The Itasca Park District provides education and year-round recreation for constructive and enjoyable leisure time experiences. Come out and enjoy Itasca's award-winning waterpark, nature center, fitness facility and many community parks.